HOLYOKE, Massachusetts, USA, October 20, 2026.- Nine prominent figures from across international volleyball, beach volleyball and ParaVolley were honoured at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame’s (IVHF) 40th induction ceremony on Saturday, 17 October, recognising achievements ranging from Olympic and world championship success to coaching, refereeing and sports leadership.
The Class of 2026 brought together former FIVB President Ary Graça of Brazil, Olympic gold medal-winning coach Laurent Tillie of France, Japanese referee Takashi Shimoyama and five former international players, alongside ParaVolley leader Denis Le Breuilly of England, reflecting the different roles that have shaped the sport over several decades.
The ceremony took place in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA, where William G. Morgan invented volleyball in 1895, and recognised individuals whose achievements have influenced the sport both on and off the court.
Graça, who served as FIVB President from 2012 to 2024, was recognised for overseeing changes in the federation’s governance, commercial strategy and international development. His tenure included the establishment of Volleyball World, expanded broadcast and sponsorship partnerships, and initiatives to strengthen the global reach of volleyball and beach volleyball. The former Brazilian Volleyball Confederation president received the Olympic Order in 2025.
Tillie was recognised for his achievements as both a player and coach. A two-time Olympian and former French national team captain, he guided France to their first men’s Olympic volleyball gold medal at Tokyo 2020. His coaching achievements also included the 2015 European Championship and two FIVB World League titles.
Shimoyama’s induction recognised his contributions to international officiating. The Japanese referee officiated at three Olympic Games – Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 – and received 23 Olympic match assignments. He later served as an FIVB Referee Delegate and contributed to referee education and the development of international officiating standards.
The five players honoured included three Olympic champions and two other leading figures from different generations of the international game.
Brazil’s Fabiana ‘Fabi’ Alvim, one of the most accomplished liberos in women’s volleyball, helped her country win consecutive Olympic gold medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, as well as two world championship silver medals. She also claimed 10 Brazilian Superliga titles during her club career.
Russia’s Ekaterina Gamova, a four-time Olympian, won two Olympic silver medals at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, followed by two FIVB World Championship titles in 2006 and 2010 and two European Championship titles. She also enjoyed considerable success at club level, including CEV Champions League and FIVB Club World Championship honours.
Cuba’s Yoel ‘Joël’ Despaigne, a two-time Olympian, was recognised for his role in the country’s success during the late 1980s and early 1990s, including silver at the 1990 FIVB World Championship and victory at the 1989 FIVB World Cup. Renowned for his attacking power and exceptional jumping ability, he represented Cuba in more than 350 international matches.
Beach volleyball was represented by April Ross of the United States and Alison Cerutti of Brazil, both world champions and Olympic gold medallists.
Ross completed a full set of Olympic medals with silver at London 2012, bronze at Rio 2016 and gold at Tokyo 2020, alongside her 2009 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship title. Alison claimed Olympic silver at London 2012 before winning gold on home sand at Rio 2016, as well as two world championship titles. Both recorded 61 FIVB Beach Tour podium finishes during their international careers.
Alvim, Despaigne and Alison also won the IVHF Fan Vote in their respective categories during the selection process.
Denis Le Breuilly of England was honoured for his contributions to the development of ParaVolley, particularly sitting volleyball and its place in the Paralympic Games. As World ParaVolley Sport Director from 2010 to 2018, he helped strengthen the sport’s international governance, classification and anti-doping standards, supporting its continued inclusion at London 2012 and Rio 2016. He also served as a technical delegate at both Paralympic Games and contributed to the expansion of World ParaVolley’s membership and competition structures.
With the addition of the Class of 2026, the Hall of Fame’s membership was set to reach 194 individuals from 28 countries, with Le Breuilly becoming its first inductee representing England. The FIVB and IVHF continue to collaborate in recognising the sport’s leading figures and preserving its history, with the partnership aligned with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032.